What's On in the Arts in Central Otago - August
Work by Sam Duckor-Jones. Image from sculptureinthegardens.nz. The Posion Creek Sculpture Project In 2015 Sunny Collings and Selena Henry became the guardians of a 15-hectare property nestled in the northern foothills of the Pisa Range. They wasted no time transforming this wild farmland, with few amenities, into accommodation, an informal gallery, and a place where works by some of NZs celebrated and up-and-coming sculptors can be discovered by
the public. The Poison Creek Sculpture Project offers visitors the opportunity to view indoor and outdoor sculptures by artists such as Terry Stringer, Steuart Welch, Anna Korver, Richard Mathieson, Morgan Jones, Oriah Rapley, Tanya Ashken, Ben Foster, Stephen Mulqueen, Andrew Drummond, Marita Hewitt, and Elizabeth Thomson. ‘Poison Creek’ is the pure mountain stream running along a boundary to the property, whilst
‘Project,’ refers to the evolving nature of the installations, the property and the approach to supporting sculpture and sculptors. While there is a stable of permanent works, there is also an annual show of works available to go to new homes. The first show, Defiance, just after the pandemic began, was a purposeful attempt to defy circumstances for artists and lift the spirits of locals. This was such a success that another show, Antidote, followed summer-autumn 2021-22. Now the scene is set for an annual show, and the 2022-23 show is aptly named Deliberation as we contemplate our new future. In 2019 Sunny and Selena announced
their first residency programme with established artist Elizabeth Thompson being the very first Poison Creek Artist in Residence. Elizabeth went on to create a series of new works inspired by the Poison Creek location, and one of these works is now part of the permanent collection. The residency is by invitation only, and emerging or established artists can enjoy the secluded contemplative nature of Poison Creek for an 8-week period. Recently, Sunny and Selena announced that Sam Duckor-Jones has accepted their 2022 residency invitation. Duckor-Jones started his artistic career as a sculptor creating vibrant, playful ceramic works which were
exhibited extensively across New Zealand. His creative talents also extend to the written word and Duckor-Jones has won awards for his ceramic and literary works. Recently, he made news with the renovation of ‘Gloria,’ a previously unoccupied church on the West Coast, which he has transformed into a pink work of art. As well as taking residency at Poison Creek Duckor-Jones will be taking a Poetry Writing Workshop at the 2022 Across the Bridge Festival in Bannockburn in October. We look forward to having him in the community and no-doubt creating remarkable things. Chorus Cabinet Art Project The Central Otago District Council and the Central Otago District Arts Trust are excited to announce that the Chorus Cabinet Art Project is happening again in Central Otago. The project offers artists the chance to use Chorus cabinets as a public canvas to showcase their work to the local community. We are now inviting artists (amateur or professional) to submit their designs
through the chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme webpage. All finished art will be included on the Chorus website and will be considered for the 2022 Chorus Cabinet Art calendar, copies of which are sent around the world. National Poetry Day 2022 A group of Central Otago poetry enthusiasts, The Poetry Party, are in the throes of making plans to celebrate National Poetry Day on Friday 26th August in Alexandra. Keep an eye out for further details in the coming weeks and make plans to a join them. The Central Otago District Arts Trust AGM The Central Otago District Arts Trust will be holding their Annual General Meeting at the Alexandra Community House on Thursday the 11th of August at 4pm, come along to hear about what we have been up to and what our plans are for the rest of 2022 and 2023. Enjoy everything on in the arts in Central Otago this month.
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